The United Kingdom has had a National Health service since the late 1940s. At a time when the South African government is calling for comment on its White Paper concerning the introduction of the countriy's own National Health Insurance system,...

In the uncertain and volatile world in which we live, protecting one’s wealth, growing it and finding security and peace of mind often seem to pose significant challenges, especially when it comes to retirement and...

The US, Japan and 10 other Pacific Rim economies (Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam) reached an agreement on the 5th of October in Atlanta on a long-waited trade agreement.Covering...

Worldwide, entertainment and media companies are increasingly becoming targets for cybercrime as criminals find new and innovative ways to defeat security measures and controls. The theft of intellectual property or...

For most people drawing up a will it is something that they say they will “eventually get around to it”. But even when they do decide to draw one up, it is often done without much research or knowledge.

Wade Matterson, Principal and Practice Leader at Milliman Australia, said many similarities exist between South Africa and Australia’s retirement fund industry, and that financial institutions and their fiduciaries in...

“Stroke is the fourth most common cause of death and the leading cause of disability in South Africa. The good news for stroke patients, however, is that much can be done to treat and prevent this condition. A...

Beneficiary funds were introduced in January 2009. Yet many pension fund trustees and financial advisers remain unaware or confused about their use and advantages. Fairheads Benefit Services believes that all financial advisers, especially those...

South Africans spend millions of rands a year investing and purchasing assets such as Krugerrands, gold, diamonds, collectible coins and art, as well as jewellery. These assets are the primary source of wealth for 13....

As South Africa’s eastern neighbour, Mozambique is one of our most important trading partners (26% of Mozambique’s imports come from South Africa, and 30% of its exports are to South Africa). South African companies...

Fred Fromm, vice president and portfolio manager, Franklin Equity Group, discusses the recent pullback in oil prices and the prospects of the downturn continuing. He also reveals where he’s finding potential equity opportunities in the...

South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis and the misery that it brings for so many young people and their families. The country has the third highest unemployment rate in the world for people between the ages of 15 to 24, according to the World...

Speaking at the Sanlam Investments Institutional Insights conference in Johannesburg early September, Dr Philippa Malmgren said there is an intriguing standoff taking place between the US Federal Reserve and emerging markets, with the likes of...

In recent months, China has stepped up a longstanding campaign for its currency (officially called the renminbi [RMB] but also referred to as the yuan), to be included as a part of the composition of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF’s)...

The Ukrainian government has been struggling for several months to strike a deal with private sovereign bond holders to restructure its debt. Negotiations are at a standstill while the economic and financial situation of the country becomes...

The 6% devaluation of the kwanza by Angola’s central bank (BNA) in June has not alleviated pressure on the national currency, which reached an all-time low on mid-July, losing 18% since 1st January. Like many oil-producing countries, Angola is...

Increases in take home pay averaged 8% according to the BankservAfrica Disposable Salary Index (BDSI) over the last twelve months, with the average take home pay breaking the R13 000 per month mark for the first time...

China’s recent devaluation of its currency has raised a lot of questions, and as a result, we have seen a near-panic response across financial markets. However, we do not believe that the renminbi’s depreciation is...

In large part due to the adoption of unhealthy lifestyles, South Africans are increasingly falling victim to heart disease, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases, which are leading killers in this country today....

With 80% of Botswana’s imports coming from South Africa, we are Botswana’s largest trading partner. Having maintained economic growth above 9% for 33 years between 1966 and 1999, Botswana’s current growth rate is modest at 4.4%. However, it has a...

For many people a vital and driving goal – at least monetarily speaking - is the need to be financially secure. This is a translation of personal success to financial success of sorts, which sees your balance sheet...